American beautyberry

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-8 ft. tall
3-6 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds should be removed from the berry pulp in the fall and dried for late winter planting. Cuttings should be taken from softwood.

Plant Planting Notes

Allow at least 3 feet, and up to 6 feet, of space otherwise regular pruning will be needed.

Plants/Diseases

Relatively disease and pest free. Sometimes exhibits leaf spot.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Opposite leaf arrangement. Simple, elliptical to ovate approximately 3-6 inches long by 1-3 inches wide. Serrate margins.

Flowers

Flowers are typically a light purple/lavender, but may be white or pink. Arranged in a cyme, less than one inch.

Fruit

Clusters forming a whorl and encircling the stem. Bright purple.

Bark

The smooth bark is light brown. The slender, arching stems are square in cross section.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Fruits are commonly used to make jelly

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Beautyberry’s native habitat is open meadows, thickets, or woodlands.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the SC Coastal Plain and Piedmont and Rare in the Mountains